In this demo we are forcing the ANODIC reaction of iron corrosion by pulling electrons out of the iron and “pumping” them over to the graphite rod where it allows a CATHODIC reaction of that converts water to hydrogen and GAINS electrons in the process. The overall reaction would go spontaneously but we are making it go faster with a battery (an electron pump).

Energy is neither created nor destroyed it is only transformed. Kinetic and potential energy are often paired together in simple demonstrations like a Rubber Band Car.

Definition

Corrosion is the chemical reaction where metals break down slowly because of other elements in their environment. For example when you see a rusty car or bridge, corrosion is the cause. Rusting, a well known example of corrosion, is the breakdown of the metal iron.

Introduction

Every day bridges, automobiles, aircraft, and hundreds of other items made of metal corrode bit by bit. Produced for the DoD Corrosion Office by Bruno White Entertainment as part of a comprehensive series of videos about corrosion, The Pervasive Menacedescribes the degradation process through sound and visual images. This video would be a great introduction to any lesson involving corrosion. Toby Nelson sings the haunting lyrics with music by Joel Simser. Daniel Dunmire and Lorri Nicholson served as executive producers and Sandy Cook producer. Pervasive Menace Lyrics

Place an iron nail or iron shavings in each of the test tubes along with the designated ingredient(s). Place the test tubes on a shelf. Check in 24-48 hours to see if any rust has formed. Report your results on the worksheet.

Because saltwater is a better conductor than freshwater, the rate of metal corrosion is much higher in seawater. Corrosion of metal due to a stray electric current in water is referred to as stray current corrosion. This type of corrosion is particularly destructive in ports where a stray current can induce corrosion on multiple vessels as electrons flow from the metal, through the water, and into the ground. Corrosion prevention and control (CPC) is a significant part of the Navy’s budget (http://www.navsea.navy.mil).